Pakistan’s Misuse of the Holy Quran’s Terminology: A Moral and Religious Critique

By Aman Mohammad, New Age Islam 2 October 2025 Pakistan’s use of Quranic phrases such as “Bunyan al-Marsoos” for military operations raises concerns about the politicisation of the Holy Quran. This article critiques such distortions, reflects on historical lessons of faith, and emphasises Islam’s true call for justice, unity, and protection. Main Points: 1. Misuse of the Holy Quran for military operations distorts its ethical purpose. 2. Islamic history teaches humility, trust in Allah, and moral solidarity. 3. Pakistan faces deep economic and social crises, yet uses religion as a political tool. 4. True Islamic governance protects all citizens, including non-Muslims. 5. Sacred scripture must guide righteousness, not propaganda or military ambition. ------ The Holy Quran is a source of guidance, moral integrity, and spiritual wisdom. Its verses are intended to inspire ethical conduct, unity, and justice – not to serve political or military agendas. Recently, Pakistan’s use of the Quranic phrase “Bunyan al-Marsoos” to name military operations has raised serious concerns about the politicisation of sacred texts. This phrase, found in Surah As-Saff (61:4), translates as “a structure joined firmly.” The verse describes how Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a unified, steadfast row – a concept meant to inspire moral solidarity. Applying it to a modern military operation, however, distorts its true meaning. Historical Lessons from the Holy Quran Islamic history emphasises humility and trust in Allah’s protection. When Abraha marched on the Kaaba with elephants, intending to destroy it, the defenders of Makkah did not launch a political campaign. Instead, they placed their trust in Allah’s divine protection, as recounted in Surah al-Fil (the Holy Quran 105:1–5). Allah has also promised to preserve the Holy Quran itself: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Holy Quran and indeed, we will be its guardian.” (Surah al-Hijri 15:9) These lessons remind us that sacred scripture should be revered and trusted, not employed as slogans to justify military or political actions. The true essence of these divine narratives lies in their ability to inspire righteousness and an unwavering trust in Allah’s plan, rather than serve the ambitions of states or armies. Pakistan’s Failure to Protect Its Citizens and the Politicisation of Faith Pakistan continues to struggle with socio-economic challenges. Inflation remains high, the country faces a narrow tax base, low industrial diversification, and weak infrastructure, while public debt has surged to Rs 80.5 trillion with a fiscal deficit of 5.6% of GDP. Climate disasters, such as the 2025 floods in Punjab, displaced over 2.5 million people, worsening humanitarian conditions. On the global stage, Pakistan ranks low in per capita income (approximately 153rd) and faces serious hunger challenges (Global Hunger Index 2024: 109th out of 127; score 27.9). Despite IMF support, structural weaknesses persist, leaving citizens vulnerable and inadequately protected. In this context, the state’s use of religious symbols becomes a hollow and distracting gesture. While the government claims to be an Islamic state, it is widely perceived as unable to protect the honour of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from disrespect, such as offensive cartoons or depictions. This perceived failure has fuelled the rise of movements like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The TLP, often seen as a religious populist force, uses street protests and threats of violence to advance its agenda. Its widespread support comes from those who regard the government as corrupt and “rotten” – an authority that has failed in its duty to defend the sanctity of the Prophet ﷺ. This dynamic reveals a deeper problem: both the state and such religious movements are engaged in a dangerous politicisation of religion. If the government cannot safeguard its citizens or uphold the sanctity of the Prophet ﷺ, why is it using words from the Holy Quran to name military operations? Such misuse distorts Islam’s message, misleads the public, and provides justification for groups to resort to aggressive – and at times violent – means to hold the state accountable. Protecting All People: A Core Islamic Principle Islamic governance emphasises the protection of all individuals, including non-Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed his successors to ensure that every person under their rule felt safe. Similarly, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), after the conquest of Palestine, allowed people of all faiths to freely worship in their holy places. Non-Muslims were considered dhimmi, under the protection of Allah’s governance – a powerful demonstration that safeguarding rights is a sacred duty. Conclusion The use of phrases from the Holy Quran to brand military operations is a distortion of Islam’s ethical teachings. Religion must remain a moral guide, not a tool for propaganda or political authority. Sacred texts should inspire righteousness, justice, and the protection of all humanity – never serve as instruments for the ambitions of states or militaries. References Surah al-Fil (the Holy Quran 105:1–5): Abraha’s army defeated when attempting to destroy the Kaʿbah, while the people of Makkah trusted Allah. Surah al-Hijr (the Holy Quran 15:9): Allah promises preservation of the Holy Quran. Surah As-Saff (the Holy Quran 61:4): Source of the phrase “Bunyan al-Marsoos.” Hadith on Protection of Non-Muslims: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever harms a non-Muslim citizen, I will be his opponent on the Day of Resurrection.” (Source: Taareekh Baghdad) The Pact of Umar (RA): Following the conquest of Jerusalem, Caliph Umar guaranteed religious freedoms to non-Muslims, ensuring their right to worship and live peacefully. Pakistan Economic & Social Indicators 2025: Reuters, Global Hunger Index 2024, IMF Reports, Pakistan Economic Survey 2025. ----- Mohammad Amanullah Mohammad is engaged in research and writing on Islamic history, Quranic interpretation, reformist thought, and interfaith harmony. 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